Muhammad Kashif Mirza receives international religious freedom award in Washington

By Our Correspondent 

LAHORE: Pakistani human rights advocate and Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan Muhammad Kashif Mirza has received the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Award of Courage at the America 250 International Religious Freedom Peacebuilders Forum and Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The award recognises Mr Mirza’s work on religious freedom, minority rights, interfaith dialogue, human dignity and peaceful coexistence.

The recognition also brought attention to the role of Pakistani civil society, faith leaders and grassroots organisations in promoting interfaith harmony and peacebuilding.

Mr Mirza dedicated the award to the people of Pakistan and members of the country’s Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and other religious communities working to promote tolerance and mutual respect.

“This recognition belongs to Pakistan’s courageous interfaith leaders, community volunteers, youth, women, scholars and human rights defenders who work every day to build trust and understanding across religious communities,” he said.

A multi-faith delegation from Pakistan also participated in the America 250 events, representing different religious communities and highlighting Pakistan’s engagement with international efforts for interfaith cooperation and dialogue.

The recognition was welcomed by human rights activists, minority rights advocates, religious freedom campaigners and government representatives, who congratulated Mr Mirza on the award and his work at the international level.

Mr Mirza thanked Dr Anila Ali, Co-Chair of IRF Roundtable Pakistan, and members of the Roundtable for their continued work on religious freedom and interfaith cooperation. He also acknowledged Imam Sajjad, Pastor Shahid and Rashid Gill for representing Pakistan in Washington.

He expressed appreciation for the leadership of Greg Mitchell, founder and chief executive of the IRF Secretariat, and Simran Stuelpnagel, president of the secretariat, for developing a platform bringing together governments, faith leaders and civil society organisations around freedom of religion or belief.

The award marks a significant milestone for IRF Roundtable Pakistan, which works with religious leaders, government institutions, civil society organisations, young people, women and international partners on religious freedom, equal citizenship, minority rights and social cohesion.

Mr Mirza also thanked his parents, wife and children for their continued support during his public service.

The recognition, according to the organisation, is not only an individual achievement but also reflects the importance of dialogue, cooperation and people-to-people engagement in building peaceful societies.

IRF Roundtable Pakistan said it would continue working with national and international partners to strengthen interfaith understanding, promote equal citizenship, protect religious freedom and highlight Pakistan’s contribution to global efforts for peace and human dignity.